Best of 2020: The Top 10 Bass Videos
Every single day of the year, we share a video. So when we compile the top 10 videos of the year, it is saying a lot – with tens of thousands of combined views.
Here are the top 10 No Treble reader favorite bass videos for 2020.
1. Leland Sklar: “Against All Odds” Playthrough
Leland Sklar is making the most of this time of social distancing and giving back to the bass playing community. In this video, the bass legend shows us the bass line on the Phil Collins tune, “Against All Odds.”
2. Rebecca Johnson Band: Peg
Steely Dan’s “Peg” is one of my all-time favorite tunes, thanks to the incredible bass line by Chuck Rainey. Rebecca Johnson and her band performed the tune live back in January. As always, Rebecca knocks us out with both her playing and singing.
3. Peter Gabriel: Sledgehammer (Growing Up Live)
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” has always been a favorite of mine, pretty much exclusively because of Tony Levin’s epic bass line. Here’s a clip of the band performing the tune at the Fila Forum in Milan, in 2003. (And a bonus video!)
4. Leland Sklar: “Stratus” Playthrough and Discussion
When Leland Sklar kicked off his new Youtube series late last month, we shared the first one. At the time, I hoped he would eventually get to “Stratus.” Good news: Two days ago, Lee did just that, with a great playalong and great story.
5. Steely Dan: Reelin’ in the Years (Old Grey Whistle Test)
Here’s a fantastic clip from the “Old Grey Whistle Test”, which was recorded around 1973 but wasn’t aired until 1978. Steely Dan performs “Reelin’ in the Years”, with the late, great Walter Becker on bass.
6. Thundercat Breaks Down His Favorite Bass Lines
I love it when bassists share their inspiration – the players and lines that stick out to them over their lives. Pitchfork posted this incredible video with Thundercat, who breaks down some of his favorite lines and players (and more).
7. Nick Schendzielos: The Purdie Shuffle on Bass
The Purdie Shuffle is one of the greatest drum grooves of all time, and Bernard Purdie is often spirited when he explains his pattern. Bassist Nick Schendzielos had some fun with one of Purdie’s videos to create an awesome and hilarious clip of his own.
8. Les Claypool, Danny Carey, Bill Kelliher, Claudio Sanchez, Steve Brodsky: Anthem
Today is Geddy Lee’s birthday, and we’re celebrating with a video by Les Claypool, Danny Carey, Bill Kelliher, Claudio Sanchez, and Steve Brodsky paying tribute to Rush, with their version of “Anthem.” Get ready to rock.
9. Khruangbin: Rules
I’ve been digging Khruangbin’s new album a lot lately. And then as luck would have it, this video hit my radar this morning. Laura Lee and the band performed at Pickathon in August 2019. Here’s their tune, “Rules”.
10. Ryan Madora: How To Play A Blues Shuffle On Bass – The Duck Dunn Blues Groove
Ryan Madora has been sharing some excellent videos on her Youtube channel this year. Here’s a recent one where she breaks down a blues shuffle in the style of the great Duck Dunn.
